British golfers are increasingly choosing Lisbon for short, group golf breaks, according to new booking data from Glencor Golf Holidays.
Trips to the Portuguese capital last an average of just 4.5 nights, the shortest stay of all the Portuguese golf destinations analysed by the specialist golf break operator.
The findings suggest golfers are using Lisbon as a long-weekend destination, fitting several rounds into a four- or five-night trip rather than committing to the traditional week-long holiday.
The average Lisbon booking is made for seven golfers, indicating that the destination is particularly popular with groups of friends, golf societies and club members travelling together.
And with September the most popular month for short Lisbon golf breaks, it seems golfers are taking advantage of warm weather and the end of the UK school holidays.
Accessibility key to Lisbon’s short-break appeal
Lisbon’s popularity with golfers and golf societies could be attributed to its accessibility and the ease of reaching local golf courses.
Direct flights operate regularly from a wide range of UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Luton and Heathrow, giving UK golfers several ways to reach the Portuguese capital.
Many of Lisbon’s top golf resorts are also within easy reach of the airport, allowing visitors to fit in several rounds without losing a considerable proportion of their break to travel.
Many of the Lisbon region’s best-known courses can be reached in around an hour from the airport, making it possible to build a varied golf itinerary into a short trip.
Why golfers are choosing Lisbon for shorter breaks
For golfer societies or groups of golfers looking form reliable weather, great courses and quick flights, Lisbon makes a lot of sense.
Corrie Renton, Co-Director of Glencor Golf Holidays, said: “Lisbon is becoming the obvious choice for golfers who want to get away for four or five nights without sacrificing the quality of the golf.
“We see particularly strong demand for shorter Lisbon breaks in September as it’s when kids go back to school, the prices drop but the weather is still warm,
“As bookings are typically made for groups of around seven golfers, it shows that these aren’t family trips but usually friendship groups or local golf societies organising a quick break.
“Lisbon works well for these trips because golfers can fly in, stay close to several leading courses and fit plenty of golf into four or five nights.”
With golfers becoming increasingly conscious of annual leave, flight times and the overall convenience of overseas trips, Glencor Golf Holidays expects demand for short Lisbon breaks to remain strong.
